Funeral Ministry

St. Pius X Parish accompanies grieving families with compassion, prayer, and the full riches of the Catholic funeral rites. When a loved one dies, we are here to help guide your family through the process of planning and celebrating a Catholic funeral.

The Order of Christian Funerals

The Catholic Church's funeral rites consist of three principal celebrations that accompany the deceased and family through the time of grief:

1. The Vigil for the Deceased — typically held at the funeral home the evening before the funeral; includes scripture readings and prayers
2. The Funeral Mass — the central celebration, held in the church; the most complete expression of the Church's prayer for the deceased
3. The Rite of Committal — graveside prayers at the cemetery

Preparing the Funeral Mass

Our bereavement coordinator will help your family select readings, music, and ministers for the Funeral Mass. We encourage families to choose two or three readers from among family and friends.

Readings: All readings must be taken from Sacred Scripture. The coordinator will provide a selection guide.
Music: Our music director is available to discuss hymns and music appropriate for the liturgy.
Eulogies: A brief remembrance (3–5 minutes) may be offered after the final commendation, not during the Mass itself.

Burial and Cremation

The Catholic Church permits cremation, provided it is not chosen for reasons contrary to Christian belief in bodily resurrection. If cremation is chosen, the funeral rites should ideally take place before the cremation; the cremated remains must be buried or entombed in a sacred place.

Grief Support

The loss of a loved one is a profound journey. Our parish offers ongoing support for the bereaved through our bereavement ministry and can connect families with local Catholic grief counseling resources. Please reach out to the office for more information.